Original Jurisdiction of the High Court:

1. The original jurisdiction of the High Courts is very limited. Cases of alleged violation of fundamental rights can be started in High Courts, or in the Supreme Court. The High Courts have the power to issue orders to restore the fundamental rights of the people. You will recall that these orders are called writs.

2. Power to Issue Writs: You have read in the "Right to Constitutional Remedies" in the lesson on Fundamental Rights that the Supreme Courts and High Courts can issue writs to ensure that rights of the people are not violated either by State or otherwise.

3. The Constitution has specifically given the power "to issue certain writs" to the High Courts. These Courts can issue writs (which are binding directions of the Court) to any person or authority, including government of the State concerned. The writings in the nature of habeas, corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari (explained in lesson 6) for the enforcement of rights of the people. This power is exercised in the original jurisdiction of the High Court, and is not derogatory to similar power of the Supreme Court.

4. A High Court can hear election petitions in its original jurisdiction, challenging the election of a Member of Parliament or State Legislative Assembly. It can set aside the election of a member if it finds that he or she used corrupt means in his or her election. All the lower courts function under the superintendence, control and guidance of the High Court in the State.